Rhonda Chapman acknowledged for contribution to international development sector

Former WaterAid Australian Board member and leading aid and development practitioner Rhonda Chapman has been awarded the 2018 ACFID Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Sector.

Rhonda served on WaterAid Australia's Board from 2009-2018 and has over 25 years of experience in the aid and development sector. She is a highly regarded thought leader, a leading expert in governance and entrepreneurship, and is an internationally-accredited partnership broker.

Rhonda served as a member of the Board and Chair of the Programs and Advocacy Committee at WaterAid Australia from 2009 to 2018. In that time she provided invaluable support to WaterAid’s country programs with her advice and insight on approaches to monitoring, evaluation and learning, and as Chair of the Programs and Advocacy Committee she was central to guiding the development of program strategies for WaterAid Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Cambodia.

Rhonda has also been incredibly constructive in assisting the Board and staff to think about lifting the strategic areas of collaboration between WaterAid and organisations in the water industry. She has been a passionate advocate for innovation in partnering to create more dynamic programs.

WaterAid Australia Chief Executive praised Rhonda for being a gender equality champion during her time with WaterAid. "During her years on the WaterAid Australia Board she supported processes to ensure equal representation, and a strong commitment to women and their participation in the organisation," Rosie said. "She was the only female member of the Board when she joined and thanks to her efforts it is now a priority for the Board to ensure gender equity."

Rhonda has also supported Engineers Without Borders over the years through a number of different mechanisms including technical advice and executive coaching.

Rhonda sees herself as part of the whole sector and always puts into practice the high standards and development principles that she values. She leaves WaterAid Australia with a legacy of stronger country programs and more innovative thinking in our strategic relationships.

Congratulations Rhonda on a well-deserved award!

Rhonda is a highly regarded and passionate practitioner and thought leader whose achievements in the aid and development sector over the last two decades have been extraordinary. Her participatory and innovative approach and the high degree of rigour she applies to all aspects of her work are hallmarks of Rhonda’s outstanding contribution to the sector and are accolades we are delighted to celebrate with this award.
- ACFID President Susan Pascoe

More details about Rhonda's award can be found on the Australian Council for International Development's website here